The former left the Nerazzurri for the Rossoneri this summer, with the latter moving in the other direction, in what was one of the most controversial deals of the summer transfer window, but the former Italy defender feels the swap-deal was the logical consequence of both players' respective situations.

"I believe that both Cassano and Pazzini needed to leave. It was the best decision for everyone," Nesta was quoted as saying by Eurosport.

"Cassano and Pazzini were excess baggage in their respective clubs and therefore everybody won: the clubs and the players.

"Cassano and Pazzini did not even need to move from house because they stayed in the same city."

The former Milan defender then went on to admit that Italian football is in decline, partially because the players who have dominated Serie A in recent years are all past their prime.

"In my opinion, 1976 was an important year for Italian football. Many great players were born that year. And logically, they all became old at the same time.

"The level in Serie A is decreasing independently of all of us who have left the country. But Italian football has been in a decline for quite some time now."